But Alberta Finance Minister Iris Evans says she doesn't think diehard Tory voters who say they've switched their allegiance will stay with the Wildrose in the long run.

And Stelmach says that although many Albertans may be personally hurting economically, the province has billions in savings to weather the effects of recession.

He said a sign that things aren't so bad in Alberta is the fact that the population is still growing — by .44 per cent, or 16,300 people, from July to October. That, Stelmach said, sends a message of hope and prosperity.